Walker brings out 10th anniversary edition of Haughton’s Oh No, George!

Walker Books will publish a 10th anniversary edition of Irish picture book creator Chris Haughton’s Oh No, George! this week, in tandem with the London premiere of the stage adaptation. 

Since its publication, Oh No, George! has won the Junior Design Award, been shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal and has sold over 750,000 copies as well as being translated into 23 languages, the publisher said. 

The special edition will publish on 7th April, while the stage adaptation by Can’t Sit Still opens in north London’s Jackson’s Lane on Tuesday 5th April and runs until the 7th April, before further regional touring. 

Haughton has collaborated closely with the production, which uses acrobatics, slapstick comedy, Sign Supported English and live music to bring George’s chaotic and joyful escapades to life. Walker has arranged giveaways, press packs, point of sale and book sales at each venue. 

Ed Ripley, UK sales and marketing director at Walker Books, said: “Walker Books is proud to be the publishing home of award-winning author-illustrator Chris Haughton. 

“With his vibrant colourways, unique collage art-style and stories that are told with warmth and humour, Chris Haughton continues to create gorgeously bold and attractive picture books, which are beloved by families globally. Happy 10th anniversary to this one-of-a-kind picture book creator, and his cheeky dog, Oh No, George!” 

Haughton is lined up for a series of events including a public signing at The Children’s Bookshop, Muswell Hill, on 7th May, a virtual schools event with Mr Dilly Meets on 15th June, and appearances at Hexham, Dalkey, and Barnes Literature Festivals. 

Haughton said:  “I can’t believe it has been 10 years since Oh No, George! came out. Spending time with a dog makes you realise how similar we humans are to them. I think we can all relate to the struggle to do the right thing. Temptation comes in all forms, but whether we are a two-year-old, an adult or even a dog we can all identify with the struggle to resist cake! 

“The most exciting thing that’s happened since the book came out is George appearing on stage. I was absolutely gobsmacked when I first saw the show and I’m still in love with it.”